Picoterm has combined the principles of thermodynamics with the science of acoustics to improve the efficiency of engines, pumps, and refrigeration systems.

Thermo-acoustics is a very energy efficient technology that relies on the transfer of heat to intense sound waves that act as a virtual piston, entailing a very small energy loss. With Picoterm’s novel thermo-acoustic technology one can utilize the sun’s heat to produce refrigeration, air conditioning, electricity and potable water from air, as well as make a combustion engine run on any fuel. Picoterm aims to achieve triple the efficiency of a conventional combustion engine while reducing volume and weight by up to 90%.

The most promising initial application of Picotern's thermo-acoustic technology will be the ability to use the sun's heat to condense water from the air.

The basic principles of thermo-acoustics have been known for decades and research continues throughout the world. Though traditional thermo-acoustic technology is fairly well developed it has several limitations, including the fact that the efficiency of thermacoustic engines drops dramatically as loads increase. This has prevented broad commercialization of products. After years of research, Picoterm has devised a solution to maintain efficiency at full load, via a stack-free thermoacoustic engine which can run on any fuel as long as the fuel can create heat.

Picoterm is convinced thermoacoustic engines have the potential to radically reduce global use of fossil fuels. If the technology should prove successful and be deployed widely, entirely new innovation areas will open up, and the reduction in greenhouse gases related to heating, cooling, and engines for transportation can be enormous. It will also be possible to get water to dry areas in a very efficient way compared with today's technology.

Picoterm is working on a fully functional prototype as well as an application of the thermoacoustic engine. Once prototypes have been thoroughly tested, the Board will determine the global strategy.